01:25.2
Let's get an update on the preparations at the Senate from ABS-CBN's R.G. Cruz.
01:32.4
Hi, Katrina. Good morning. The Senate is indeed abuzz with activity this morning, two hours ahead of the opening of the morning session of the 19th Congress here at the Senate.
01:46.0
We expect that that plenary session of the Senate will be highlighted by the speech of the Senate.
01:55.2
Before we get into that, of course, let's run through the scenario this morning.
01:59.4
Before the 10 o'clock session of the Senate, you can see behind me the red carpet where the senators and their spouses are expected to show to the media their outfit for the morning session, which is, of course, considered a high-profile session because it is the opening of the third and final regular session of the 19th Congress here at the Senate.
02:20.0
And then at around 10 o'clock, the session will be open.
02:23.0
There will be a call to order by the Senate president.
02:25.2
Francis Escudero is the presiding officer.
02:28.0
It will be followed by the opening prayer led by the Senator Aimee Marcos.
02:32.9
And, of course, the national anthem by the Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club.
02:37.0
And, of course, the roll call of the 23 remaining senators.
02:40.2
Remember that we already lost one senator to the executive department.
02:44.8
Senator Sani Angara is now the education secretary.
02:48.6
After that, we will be seeing consideration of various resolutions opening the third and final regular session.
02:55.2
At the end of that process, we will hear the speech of the Senate president where he is expected to lay down the agenda of the 19th Congress, at least as far as the Senate is concerned.
03:08.0
Of course, we already have a preview of that because the priority bills were already laid down by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council sometime last month.
03:18.5
And, of course, after that speech, the session is expected to be adjourned by the presiding office.
03:25.2
And, of course, we already have a preview of that because the Senate president is expected to lay down the agenda of the 19th Congress, at least as far as the Senate is concerned.
03:55.2
Thank you for joining us.
03:56.6
Good morning, Katrina, and to all the televiewers, good morning.
03:59.7
Secretary Tudoro, just yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced that the Philippines and China have already reached an agreement with regard to the Ayungin Shoal.
04:08.8
How will rotation and resupply missions now be carried out under this new agreement?
04:14.9
We'll have to wait for the National Maritime Council to convene and for the DFA to relate to us what exactly has been agreed upon.
04:23.0
I don't have any information at this time.
04:25.2
So, it would be premature for me to comment.
04:28.6
Right. I understand that information, details of that meeting have not yet been relayed.
04:35.7
But you earlier, the Philippines earlier called China out for their actions in the West Philippine Sea,
04:42.3
saying that the Philippines will neither seek permission nor consent from anyone, nor will it publish any schedule of raw remissions.
04:49.9
What was the directive of President Marcos to the DFA, or at least to the panel,
04:54.2
before going into this meeting?
04:56.2
Do we have at least any guarantee that these conditions were not compromised?
05:02.7
I'm certain that the DFA is conscious of those parameters that it cannot exceed.
05:09.4
And I have no reason to doubt that such parameters were not heeded in coming into this arrangement or agreement with China.
05:22.5
Secretary Tudoro, we understand.
05:24.2
We understand that China and the Philippines have also agreed to establish a new presidential hotline,
05:29.4
which can be used in case of any confrontations in the West Philippine Sea.
05:34.8
What makes this different from the hotline that President Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping agreed upon in January last year?
05:43.6
Well, that remains to be seen.
05:45.6
I cannot say with certainty what the difference will be.
05:49.3
However, given the fact that there have been the bans,
05:54.2
bilateral committee meetings on de-escalation,
06:00.4
I mean, probably this is another venue where things can be settled
06:07.6
without having to let things spread further that can lead to an armed conflict.
06:14.1
Secretary Tudoro, what keeps you optimistic that China will do good on what was agreed upon this time around?
06:20.8
Because frankly speaking, Beijing does not have a good track record.
06:24.2
A following, what was agreed upon, whether verbally or on paper.
06:29.2
Well, definitely.
06:31.4
That's why my focus really is on deterrence and on speedily building up a credible deterrent force,
06:39.6
not only in terms of capabilities, but also in terms of systems and skill sets.
06:45.6
And that goes not only for the armed forces of the Philippines,
06:50.8
but principally in my own department, the Department of National Defense,
06:54.2
where what we want to see is for Congress to fast track the enactment of a D&D transformation bill,
07:05.9
copies of which I have given to both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House
07:14.0
and the leaderships of both chambers so that we can provide the proper managerial and strategic support
07:24.2
For all the agencies that fall under us,
07:27.1
the D&D as a department is one of the smallest in terms of manpower and in terms of resources,
07:35.8
considering what it has to manage.
07:38.3
And I think that we have to level up from the department down to its five agencies
07:44.1
so that we can manage the introduction of the deterrent capabilities
07:52.3
and to implement the capabilities.
07:54.1
And I think that we have to level up from the department down to its five agencies
07:56.8
and to implement the capabilities.
07:56.9
And I think that we have to level up from the department down to its five agencies
07:57.0
and to implement the capabilities.
07:57.0
And I think that we have to level up from the department down to its five agencies
07:57.1
and other measures to counter disruptive and information operations
08:04.1
against the Republic of the Philippines sustainably and professionally and competently.
08:10.7
Okay, Secretary, I'm glad that you mentioned the information operations being done against the Philippines just last week.
08:16.8
The D&D, your department, was front and center of a controversy
08:20.0
with some vloggers and commentators alleging that there was a walkout.
08:24.1
During a command conference, can you tell us more about that incident?
08:30.3
That has been denied several times.
08:32.6
There was no such incident as far as I'm concerned.
08:35.9
And now let's put it, just to settle matters,
08:38.7
it is a principle of fairness that he or she who alleges proves.
08:44.4
So let them prove it.
08:46.0
We understand, Secretary Quidoro, that last week the AFP spokesperson mentioned to Head Start
08:51.4
that the AFP is looking into the situation of the Philippines.
08:54.1
To whether or not there were legal violations linked to that issue,
08:59.0
will the D&D or will any agency under your department actually file cases
09:03.3
against those who peddled this fake news?
09:06.9
Well, that matter has to be investigated.
09:10.4
We need to get to the source of these rumors and find out what we can do about it.
09:18.4
And we feel that not only these rumors, but there are,
09:24.1
a lot of misinformation going around.
09:28.2
So we appeal to the public.
09:31.5
We appeal to our fellow citizens to be careful
09:35.8
in studying the information that is circulating in the media.
09:43.4
Because there are a lot of chismes now.
09:48.7
There's a lot of disinformation and misinformation going around.
09:54.1
And a lot of this seeks to distract us from ensuring that we get a credible defense posture.
10:05.4
It's trying to weaken our political, economic, and social fabric.
10:11.6
Before we talk about the solutions that the D&D presents to that problem,
10:15.8
talk to us first about how wary the department and the administration is
10:20.2
when it comes to these attacks on another front.
10:22.4
How grave is the problem?
10:24.1
And what are the implications of misinformation operations against the Philippines?
10:27.9
Well, we don't take these things lightly.
10:31.1
Because of the freedom of information and freedom of the press,
10:36.5
and the basic freedoms of speech that we have in this country,
10:41.2
it is something that we have to deal with.
10:43.9
And unlike other countries with closed systems,
10:48.7
like China, for example, they don't need to deal with this.
10:51.8
They just shut you down or put you to jail.
10:54.1
Well, with us, we have to deal with a free marketplace of ideas.
10:59.0
And it is a fine line that separates free speech from a possible offense or violation.
11:08.2
And how is the D&D addressing this problem?
11:10.7
Is the agency at least flexing some efforts to track down who are behind these propagandas?
11:17.1
We are leaving it to the appropriate intelligence agencies to do so.
11:21.5
We are working with the DICT.
11:24.1
And because right, the D&D is not an investigative agency.
11:28.8
So we leave it to, we have a defense intelligence and security group here.
11:35.6
We leave it to them to ferret out the source of these rumors.
11:41.6
And then after it has been established with credible evidence
11:46.1
as to who the perpetrators of these rumors are,
11:49.1
we find out what we can do about it.
11:50.9
Aside from this rumor mongering,
11:54.1
other reports as to what Beijing or any actors are doing
11:58.0
to somehow distract us, again in your own words,
12:01.2
from getting a solid defense posture in the West Philippine Sea.
12:04.9
Well, the most prevalent is the assertion
12:12.2
that any attempt of the Philippines to upgrade its capabilities
12:18.4
in order to enter into functional and working alliances,
12:24.1
with like-minded nations,
12:25.5
is deemed by China as a provocation.
12:28.6
And for example, we heard rumors that there are targets in this country
12:34.0
because of supposed capabilities that the U.S. government has here.
12:42.2
This is a consistent narrative by China.
12:45.9
And for example, to counter this,
12:51.3
what we should see is that the G7,
12:54.1
came out against the acts of China in the West Philippine Sea,
12:58.7
a host of other countries, the EU,
13:02.2
and each and every time,
13:04.9
China has retorted that these statements disturb regional peace.
13:11.4
So China's rhetoric is that they are the only ones correct
13:17.3
and everybody else is wrong.
13:19.9
Well, I think they should examine very closely,
13:24.1
the real state of things.
13:27.4
If a lot of people in the world are saying there's something wrong with you,
13:31.1
then it's high time that you self-examine.
13:33.5
And Secretary, what about talk of sleeper agents coming here in the Philippines?
13:38.5
With the case of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo,
13:41.2
there have been a lot of rumors about China actually seeding some of their agents here,
13:47.1
posing either as students or as tourists, as businessmen.
13:50.9
What do you say about those?
13:52.7
That is something that...
13:54.1
That we have to be on guard against,
13:56.8
although naming somebody as a sleeper agent
14:00.2
or somebody as an agent of a foreign power
14:04.5
demands a modicum of evidence.
14:07.1
What we have here is evidence very clearly of syndicated cyber crimes
14:15.4
and other heinous crimes like human trafficking
14:18.9
perpetrated by non-Filipinos.
14:24.1
And allowed to operate in our environment.
14:28.4
And this is heavily on the domestic agenda
14:31.4
of a lot of government agencies to stop
14:36.1
because it is a way of weakening our political and economic fabric.
14:42.3
And it is also undeniably a way
14:44.8
where foreign agents can co-opt the Philippines.
14:50.9
That is why we are also appealing to Congress
14:53.4
to amend the law.
14:53.9
That is why we are also appealing to Congress to amend the law.
14:53.9
That is why we are also appealing to Congress to amend the law
14:55.7
against espionage to make it effective
14:58.6
even in times of peace,
15:00.8
not only in times of war.
15:03.2
Another law is that we would like
15:05.9
military jurisdiction to be returned
15:09.5
to general courts martial
15:12.3
so that we can properly deal with
15:16.0
malfeasance, misfeasance, and non-feasance
15:18.9
of armed forces personnel.
15:22.8
These officers are now being released.
15:23.8
These offenses are now relegated to civilian courts
15:26.7
where we cannot hold these personnel
15:30.9
and we cannot account for them
15:32.9
after they are separated from the service.
15:35.8
We can only charge them with conduct
15:37.8
and becoming an officer or enlisted personnel.
15:42.6
So a lot of these legislative measures are necessary,
15:47.3
particularly the law against espionage
15:50.0
because it is only applicable
15:52.8
during times of peace.
15:53.6
During times of war.
15:55.2
Secretary, aside from the fact
15:57.3
that it is only applicable during the times of war
15:59.8
when there is already a declaration of war,
16:02.2
what other provisions in the espionage law
16:04.4
do you hope that Congress
16:05.5
or would you recommend for Congress to amend
16:07.9
to make it more effective
16:09.1
against the Philippines' current plight?
16:12.3
Well, a lot of new offenses
16:16.5
like cyber crimes
16:19.7
and other ways of sharing information
16:23.6
should be included in the law
16:25.1
because near face-to-face confrontations
16:30.7
are not the way things are done.
16:36.8
Electronic exchanges of information
16:39.1
and other innovative and disruptive ways
16:44.1
of doing harm to the Philippines
16:51.0
And I think there is also a proposal,
16:53.6
to register a person as a foreign agent
17:00.1
to legitimize the efforts of that foreign agent
17:06.5
in dealing with government agencies
17:08.5
such as we have in other countries
17:10.5
so that the bona fides of this person
17:15.4
seeking registration as a registered foreign agent
17:18.5
of a foreign government, rather,
17:21.4
can be established by the intelligence
17:25.2
Secretary Teodoro,
17:26.0
since you already mentioned cyber crimes,
17:28.6
what is the Philippines actually doing
17:31.0
to ensure that it is adequately protected
17:33.8
against cyber attacks?
17:35.2
Because last week,
17:36.4
we just saw the shutdown of multiple companies,
17:38.8
airlines, airports, travel,
17:40.7
just because of a cyber case.
17:44.0
The Philippines also saw several of its agencies
17:46.2
being shut down by hackers.
17:48.1
What is the Philippines now doing
17:49.4
to ensure that will not happen again
17:51.3
in the coming months?
17:53.6
we collaborate on redundancy
17:55.8
and securing our information bases.
18:03.5
In the armed forces of the Philippines,
18:06.6
they are developing their information
18:08.6
and cyber networks on a redundant basis,
18:13.6
also with the DND.
18:15.4
We need to do this in order to be able
18:19.9
to engage with our counterparts
18:22.2
on the information basis.
18:23.2
On a one-to-one basis.
18:26.3
we are restricted from engaging,
18:31.1
whether it be capabilities,
18:33.0
whether it be information exchange
18:35.1
with our counterparts,
18:37.0
because we have not passed their cyber
18:41.0
and information technology
18:42.6
and other operational security vetting.
18:45.8
It does not only include
18:47.9
information communications technology
18:53.2
but it also includes
18:54.6
our operational security protocols,
18:56.9
document handling,
18:58.2
classifications, and the like.
19:00.5
So we need to harden our information systems.
19:04.7
We need to improve our connectivity.
19:09.0
This is a hard thing to do.
19:11.0
And we need to build redundancy
19:13.8
and siloing of information
19:17.2
in order to mitigate the effects
19:19.4
of a possible breach.
19:20.9
All right, Secretary, let's now move on to another report.
19:22.9
Another defense-related topic,
19:24.8
which is the reciprocal access agreement with Japan.
19:29.1
the Philippines and Japan
19:30.9
just signed that agreement into law.
19:33.8
in the process of operationalizing the RAA?
19:37.5
We hope that the Senate ratifies
19:41.1
or gives its concurrence
19:43.8
to the treaty as soon as possible
19:45.9
so that we can lay down
19:47.8
the implementing rules and regulations
19:49.6
that will put it into place.
19:52.9
to Japan's soonest participation
19:56.2
in not only multilateral exercises,
20:00.3
but developing our own bespoke bilateral exercises.
20:05.7
this will be a fitting complement
20:07.4
to Japan's support
20:09.7
for the Philippines' defense posture.
20:13.5
We were the first recipients
20:15.2
of official security assistance from Japan.
20:18.2
Japan is a preferred partner
20:19.7
in our capability upgrades.
20:21.4
And we look forward to the future
20:22.9
to developing confidence
20:25.7
with the Japanese Self-Defense Force.
20:28.2
There is already trust.
20:29.7
We now have to engage
20:32.1
in confidence-building measures
20:34.0
in terms of interoperability
20:36.0
between the armed forces
20:37.8
and the Japan Self-Defense Force.
20:40.7
Secretary Kidoro,
20:41.6
I understand that the Senate
20:42.9
has yet to ratify this agreement.
20:46.1
while the legislative department
20:47.8
is working on that,
20:48.8
I understand that the DND
20:50.0
and other government agencies
20:51.2
are already drafting
20:52.9
What will be the salient points
20:57.0
Well, the salient points
20:58.8
will be what kind of,
21:00.8
what the mechanisms are
21:02.7
for developing the annual activities
21:06.8
what the communications flow will be,
21:09.8
what the authorities
21:13.2
certain types of activities are.
21:18.9
what the administrative
21:22.9
set-ups for executing
21:28.2
Secretary Kidoro,
21:29.6
how will this actually,
21:31.2
how will it actually affect
21:32.6
the way that the Philippines
21:34.2
conducts its rotation
21:35.6
and resupply missions
21:36.7
in the West Philippine Sea
21:37.8
as well as safeguarding
21:39.9
our exclusive economic zone?
21:42.2
Because frankly speaking,
21:43.4
one of the often-mentioned
21:45.8
criticisms against the Philippines VFA
21:49.0
with the United States
21:49.9
is that it cannot be enforced
21:51.5
at a time of need
21:52.7
when Chinese ships
21:54.3
and maritime militia vessels
21:55.8
are already sort of attacking,
21:58.9
not the attack involving weapons,
22:01.7
but they are already
22:02.7
putting in danger
22:03.8
several Filipinos
22:05.3
who are there operating
22:06.9
in our own exclusive economic zone.
22:09.5
how will this RAA
22:10.7
make our current situation different
22:13.4
against the aggressive actions
22:15.5
of China in the West Philippine Sea?
22:18.2
Thank you for asking that question
22:20.3
because the public
22:21.1
is always focused on retaliation.
22:22.7
And for the U.S. MDT,
22:27.7
that is Article 4 of the MDT.
22:30.6
But we do practice Article 2 and 3,
22:34.8
that means consultation
22:36.0
and capability enhancements.
22:40.2
So the RAA with Japan
22:42.2
will be a fitting complement
22:45.1
in order for the armed forces
22:47.8
to get another dimension
22:50.8
in order to improve
22:52.6
to improve its capabilities.
22:55.2
the issue of the resupply,
22:58.6
the government by policy
23:00.4
chooses to make this
23:02.5
a totally Filipino endeavor.
23:05.9
And we want to build up
23:10.9
in order to ensure
23:13.1
a regular and routine resupply.
23:19.4
More than that though,
23:20.5
we want to build up
23:22.6
as soon as possible.
23:25.8
Because deterrence
23:27.2
is the best defense.
23:29.2
Speaking of deterrence,
23:30.4
I understand that Japan
23:31.5
has sold several Coast Guard ships
23:34.1
to the Philippines.
23:35.0
It has also given some radars
23:36.8
to the Philippines as well.
23:38.6
But when push comes to shove
23:40.9
in the West Philippine Sea,
23:42.9
in the next few weeks,
23:44.4
in the next few months,
23:45.4
we know how volatile
23:46.3
the situation is there.
23:48.0
What can Japan and the U.S.
23:50.5
and our other allies
23:51.5
offer that will make
23:55.0
Filipinos easily see
23:56.5
that these agreements
23:57.8
are not just something on paper?
24:02.4
when push comes to shove,
24:05.0
that these allies
24:06.3
will come to our aid.
24:08.5
it is incumbent upon
24:11.2
all responsible officials
24:21.5
unthinkable events
24:25.3
when push comes to shove,
24:27.6
I do not have a doubt
24:30.6
will come to our assistance.
24:33.3
Secretary Tidoro,
24:34.8
with the expected ratification
24:37.2
of the reciprocal access agreement,
24:41.6
to be again angered
24:44.5
at issue statements
24:45.2
against the Philippines,
24:47.6
the global community
24:50.5
How will the Philippines,
24:57.3
when it comes to raw emissions
24:58.6
in the Ayungin Shoal?
25:00.5
I don't think there's anything
25:01.7
to juggle insofar
25:03.8
with the like-minded nations
25:07.8
the RAA with Japan
25:09.1
will not be the last RAA
25:10.5
because we are working
25:15.1
with several other
25:16.6
like-minded nations as well.
25:20.1
it is up to China
25:28.4
in the West Philippine Sea
25:29.8
is the nine-dash line of China
25:31.4
and nothing else.
25:33.9
So, it is really up to them
25:36.7
while we cannot be deterred
25:39.4
what we need to do
25:41.2
in order to build up
25:42.7
our credible defense posture
25:47.9
with like-minded nations
25:49.4
for the upholding
25:52.6
international order.
25:55.7
Sorry for interrupting you.
25:58.0
I was just quite excited
26:01.4
is working on other
26:02.6
reciprocal access agreements
26:03.9
with other like-minded nations.
26:06.1
what nations we are
26:09.6
we are going to work
26:14.8
hopefully with Canada,
26:18.6
as my counterpart,
26:21.5
Minister Lecourneau,
26:23.8
and I announced last year
26:27.5
and with other countries
26:32.5
my memory at this time.
26:34.4
So, we are talking about
26:37.1
first world countries here.
26:39.4
Any timeline so far?
26:41.0
When do we expect
26:41.7
the RAAs between the Philippines
26:43.5
and these other countries
26:47.1
Hopefully by next year.
26:50.1
to negotiate the RAAs.
26:51.5
And that's why also
26:54.2
a defense transformation bill
26:57.1
because our staff is limited.
26:59.1
And they've been working
27:00.1
more than others.
27:07.2
with only 267 employees
27:09.3
in this department,
27:11.2
and negotiating an RAA
27:16.2
that is a big accomplishment.
27:17.9
And I'm very proud
27:19.8
of what everybody
27:21.5
In this department,
27:23.1
despite its handicap.
27:25.3
So, I hope our legislators
27:26.6
listen and capacitate us
27:28.8
so we can do more.
27:31.2
Secretary Teodoro,
27:32.2
let's talk about the RAAs
27:34.0
of these at least three countries.
27:36.0
What will the RAA
27:37.6
and the Philippines be like?
27:40.0
It will also involve
27:41.9
interoperability.
27:43.4
They will all look the same.
27:49.6
of these different countries
27:52.3
with the Philippine armed forces
27:54.4
within the Philippine
27:57.0
territorial jurisdictions
28:01.3
So, it will increase
28:03.8
between these countries.
28:06.4
And an RAA basically
28:08.3
is not the culmination
28:13.2
it is close to the apex
28:15.5
of a defensive alliance
28:18.6
but not at the top.
28:24.9
is close to that.
28:27.0
Secretary Teodoro,
28:29.1
how political movements
28:31.6
in certain countries
28:32.8
would affect its RAA negotiations
28:34.8
with the Philippines,
28:35.8
particularly in France.
28:37.9
they recently held polls
28:39.2
and President Emmanuel Macron
28:41.0
just lost the majority
28:43.5
at least from the parliamentary.
28:45.9
Do we have a guarantee
28:47.0
that France is still committed
28:50.1
with the Philippines
28:50.9
despite the fact that
28:51.1
despite leadership
28:51.9
or possible leadership changes
28:56.3
because despite the political changes
28:58.2
the interests remain the same.
29:00.5
France would like
29:04.2
in order to uphold
29:06.0
the rule of international law.
29:10.2
in the Pacific area.
29:12.1
So, the Indo-Pacific
29:14.5
stability and security
29:15.8
is very important to it.
29:17.5
So, in spite of changes
29:21.1
in the political makeup
29:23.4
of these countries
29:32.1
or the Eastern Hemisphere,
29:34.0
European or whatnot,
29:35.4
I think the interests
29:37.8
And we also are looking
29:39.7
at closer relationships
29:41.7
with the United Kingdom
29:43.5
who has expressed
29:47.0
a lot of interest
29:49.8
in working closer
29:50.9
with the United Kingdom.
29:52.5
Secretary Tidoro,
29:54.7
President Ferdinand Marquez Jr.
29:56.3
will be delivering
29:56.9
his third State of the Nation address.
29:59.2
How has the Philippine defense sector
30:01.4
improved in the past years?
30:03.0
And what achievements
30:04.8
do you expect the President
30:05.9
to highlight in his speech?
30:08.3
Well, in internal security,
30:13.0
the normal fronts
30:15.9
that are the basis
30:18.3
of accomplishments,
30:23.3
the internal security threat
30:26.1
has been minimized,
30:30.7
it does not disappear.
30:34.6
looking very closely
30:35.9
at internal subversion
30:38.1
that is motivated
30:42.0
by foreign powers.
30:45.8
in international engagements,
30:49.6
enhanced cooperation
30:52.4
the United States.
30:57.3
additional skills
31:03.2
And after we pass
31:04.3
security vetting,
31:14.2
get a lot more capabilities.
31:19.9
and we have signed
31:21.1
with like-minded nations.
31:22.4
A lot has happened.
31:27.2
and we understand
31:34.7
to secure financing
31:36.0
is on my shoulders
31:38.3
and I'm working very hard
31:39.9
in order to secure
31:41.4
appropriate financing
31:43.2
that is affordable
31:47.9
to the Filipino people
31:50.4
through the government.
31:51.1
We have to continue
31:52.1
creating financing measures.
32:02.7
between and amongst
32:05.3
the different systems
32:06.5
that have been acquired before
32:11.1
a lot of our systems workable.
32:15.3
are embarking on a strategic
32:17.1
basing program in order
32:27.6
archipelagic defense concept
32:30.3
Marcos administration
32:31.6
that has been introduced
32:36.2
our deterrent capabilities
32:38.9
within our exclusive
32:42.2
where we have jurisdiction.
32:44.2
In disaster risk reduction,
32:45.9
we have an increased budget
32:47.3
for the NDRIM fund
32:54.7
until the first quarter
32:57.3
and a lot of rehabilitation
32:59.1
of vital infrastructure
33:06.7
disaster risk reduction,
33:11.2
a lot of major infrastructure
33:13.6
that the president has embarked on
33:15.3
and connectivities
33:18.7
on disaster risk reduction.
33:22.2
flood control project
33:23.7
which is Metro Manila-wise,
33:29.3
mitigating impacts
33:33.9
which directly impacts
33:36.0
the disaster resilience
33:40.8
which is really important
33:42.0
for national defense.
33:43.9
So these are a few
33:44.8
of the achievements
33:45.8
of the Marcos administration
33:48.3
for the last year.
33:50.8
All right, Secretary Teodoro,
33:54.6
are hoping that the president
33:56.1
will finally make public
33:57.9
on Philippine offshore gaming operations
33:59.7
during his third SONA.
34:02.0
He has been quite silent
34:04.3
despite a lot of developments already.
34:06.8
Should we expect the president
34:07.9
to already declare
34:11.1
as a national security threat?
34:14.4
the proverbial POGO
34:17.7
is a national security threat.
34:21.0
legitimate business process
34:26.9
that have been operating
34:32.3
within our shores
34:34.0
should be allowed
34:39.5
it gives Filipinos.
34:41.5
It is these POGOs
34:43.4
which are criminal syndicates
34:46.7
and are unregulated
34:52.2
it is an intelligence challenge
34:55.5
intelligence agencies
35:01.8
That should be stopped.
35:04.6
We will have to wait
35:05.4
and see if the president
35:06.5
will mention that issue
35:07.7
in his SONA later.
35:08.7
Thank you so much
35:09.6
for making time for us
35:11.1
during this busy morning.
35:13.0
Defense Secretary
35:15.1
at the Batasan Pambansa.
35:16.8
Thank you, Katrin.
35:21.1
at the Batasan Pambansa.
35:22.6
ABS-CBN's Vivian Guglia
35:24.0
joins us for an update.
35:30.4
Well, security is tied in
35:32.3
the Batasan Pambansa complex
35:35.9
of the third regular session
35:39.6
that is later at 10 a.m.
35:44.1
of the nation address
35:46.6
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
35:55.7
Commonwealth Avenue
35:57.1
and the IBP Road.
35:59.5
several MMDA personnel
36:01.1
and Quezon City Traffic
36:03.1
and Transport Management
36:04.4
Department assisting
36:05.5
motorists on these roads.
36:08.1
and bomb squad vehicles
36:10.7
outside the complex.
36:13.1
the House of Representatives,
36:14.4
more security personnel
36:17.2
from the military
36:21.7
and accredited individuals
36:23.1
are allowed entry today.
36:26.1
one and a half hours,
36:31.9
here at the lower house
36:35.9
the priority legislations.
36:38.7
on top of that list
36:39.9
is the timely passage
36:41.4
of the 6.352 trillion peso
36:49.0
that their target
36:49.8
is to get it passed
36:51.2
by the lower house
36:52.3
before the October break.
36:54.5
The chamber is also
36:55.3
expected to include
36:56.5
in its priorities
36:57.5
the remaining three
37:00.0
that the House of Representatives
37:01.5
has yet to be passed
37:05.6
to the Foreign Investors
37:07.1
Long-Term Lease Act,
37:10.0
to the Agrarian Reform Law
37:11.8
and the amendments
37:14.2
For this morning's session,
37:15.6
the Sinirangan Chamber singers
37:17.9
will lead the singing
37:19.0
of the Philippine House
37:21.0
It will be followed
37:24.1
by the I Love Takloban
37:27.5
For this afternoon's sauna,
37:30.0
that preparations
37:31.0
are 100% complete
37:32.6
and it's all systems go.
37:34.3
Over 2,000 guests
37:35.4
are expected to attend
37:37.1
including high-ranking
37:38.9
government officials
37:41.4
Lawmakers have said
37:42.3
that among the topics
37:43.3
that they wish to hear
37:45.6
are the President's
37:46.8
clear policy direction
37:48.0
on the West Philippine Sea issue.
37:49.7
As well as on the issues
37:51.5
surrounding the Philippine
37:52.9
offshore gaming operations
37:54.3
and plans to address
37:56.6
of basic commodities.
37:58.7
Ramaldes gave assurances
37:59.6
that the House of Representatives
38:01.0
is united with the President
38:03.2
and fully supports
38:05.8
to advance the reforms
38:08.1
that he will announce
38:09.0
during his sauna.
38:11.1
Kat, back to you.
38:12.5
just one quick question.
38:13.6
As you mentioned,
38:14.3
we expect the third
38:16.0
to open in a few hours.
38:18.0
Do we actually expect
38:18.9
any key leadership
38:21.6
during that opening
38:24.3
political battle lines
38:25.3
are already being drawn
38:26.8
ahead of the 2025
38:27.7
midterm elections?
38:31.1
Well, before the 19th Congress
38:33.6
adjourned the last session,
38:35.3
there was a change
38:36.8
in the chairmanship
38:37.6
of the House Committee
38:40.5
on Overseas Workers.
38:43.5
we have no information yet
38:45.9
and that is something
38:47.0
that we will watch out for
38:49.7
opening of the third
38:52.2
of the 19th Congress
38:55.4
Kat, back to you.
38:56.5
Thank you so much
38:57.2
for keeping us up to speed.
38:59.0
Vivian Guglia there
39:00.4
from the Batasang Pambansa.
39:02.6
And we will take a quick break.
39:04.8
we'll be right back.
39:19.7
We'll be right back.
39:49.7
We'll be right back.
40:19.7
We'll be right back.
40:49.7
We'll be right back.
40:54.5
Welcome back to Head Start.
40:56.4
Veering away from the sauna stories,
40:59.3
into a commercial agreement
41:00.6
with leading Philippine fiber
41:02.3
broadband provider Converge
41:04.0
that will enable Sky
41:05.3
to upgrade its network
41:06.6
and improve services
41:07.6
to its subscribers.
41:09.3
Sky chairman Mark Lopez says
41:11.3
Converge has built
41:12.4
a superior state-of-the-art
41:14.0
fiber network nationwide
41:15.5
which Sky customers
41:17.2
will soon experience.
41:19.7
and chief operations officer
41:23.2
the initiative supports
41:25.3
transformation plan
41:26.6
aimed at improving
41:30.4
For Converge president
41:34.1
will allow Converge
41:35.4
to maximize its networks
41:37.4
and increase port utilization.
41:39.7
Converge has the largest fiber
41:41.5
to the home network
41:42.6
in the Philippines
41:43.2
with over 8 million ports
41:45.6
and a fiber footprint
41:46.9
extending over 700,000 kilometers
41:49.3
reaching 16 million
41:51.0
Filipino homes nationwide.
41:54.9
Some headlines overseas,
41:57.5
in the race for the White House.
41:59.5
After weeks of intense pressure
42:01.0
from his own party,
42:02.5
U.S. President Joe Biden
42:04.1
drops his re-election bid.
42:06.1
In a letter posted on X,
42:08.3
it's been the greatest honor
42:10.6
to serve the American people
42:12.1
as their president.
42:14.4
while it was his intention
42:15.7
to seek re-election,
42:16.8
it is in the best interest
42:20.4
that he stand down
42:21.6
and focus on the remainder
42:24.4
Biden said he will address
42:25.7
the American people
42:27.5
about his decision.
42:29.0
His decision comes
42:30.6
after his shaky debate performance
42:34.7
It also came days
42:35.8
after he tested positive
42:40.2
Soon after Biden's announcement,
42:42.1
he endorsed U.S. Vice President
42:45.5
presidential nominee.
42:47.0
Biden says he offers
42:49.3
as he called on Democrats
42:53.5
Republican nominee
42:55.5
Harris responded,
42:57.2
for his leadership
42:58.0
and decades of service.
43:01.2
to have Biden's endorsement,
43:03.7
it is her intention
43:05.5
and win the nomination.
43:07.8
the first Black woman
43:09.1
and first Asian American
43:10.6
to lead the ticket
43:11.7
of a major political party.
43:16.0
Now, several notable Democrats
43:18.1
praising Biden's leadership
43:20.7
from the 2024 race.
43:23.5
Bill and Hillary Clinton
43:25.3
for what they called
43:26.2
an extraordinary career
43:28.4
that lifted the U.S.
43:29.7
out of the pandemic
43:30.6
and rebuilt a battered economy.
43:33.2
The two also vowed
43:34.1
to do whatever they can
43:35.3
to support U.S. Vice President
43:37.8
and her potential White House bid.
43:40.1
Former U.S. President
43:43.4
as one of the most
43:44.3
consequential presidents
43:46.7
of the highest order.
43:48.3
Former U.S. House of Representatives
43:49.1
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
43:50.4
echoes Obama's statement.
43:52.7
Biden is a leader
43:54.6
the country first.
43:56.6
of the Democratic
43:57.5
National Convention
44:00.4
after Biden dropped
44:02.1
his re-election bid.
44:05.5
that he is stepping aside
44:09.2
but we know that he always
44:10.4
puts the country first.
44:12.4
And I am personally
44:13.8
reassured and enthusiastic
44:18.0
until January 20th,
44:21.0
President of the United States
44:24.4
three and a half years.
44:28.0
about the President's decision
44:30.6
because this President,
44:34.5
has been a transformational President.
44:37.6
He's been a great leader.
44:42.1
who has done so much
44:45.7
to see us as people.
44:56.5
Now, over on the other side
44:58.2
of the political fence,
44:59.2
Republicans are having
45:01.6
Donald Trump casting doubt
45:02.8
on Biden's COVID diagnosis.
45:04.9
He claims Biden wanted
45:06.2
to drop out of the race
45:07.6
right after their June 27 debate,
45:10.3
calling it a big moment
45:11.7
in Biden's demise.
45:14.9
Trump called Biden
45:15.8
the worst president
45:18.4
Trump's running mate,
45:19.7
criticized both Biden
45:20.9
and U.S. Vice President
45:22.8
and their policies.
45:24.6
As for Republican
45:25.4
House Speaker Mike Johnson,
45:27.2
he warns of legal obstacles
45:29.0
should Biden be replaced
45:30.6
on the Democratic ticket.
45:34.0
14 million Democrats voted
45:36.0
to make Joe Biden the nominee.
45:38.3
So, it would be wrong
45:39.5
and I think unlawful
45:40.6
in accordance to some
45:41.9
of these states' rules
45:42.8
for a handful of people
45:43.8
to go in a back room
45:44.7
and switch it out
45:46.1
because they don't like
45:47.4
the candidate any longer.
45:48.3
You know, Donald Trump,
45:50.7
Now, don't take my word for it.
45:52.1
Take the word of some
45:52.9
of the top leading Democrats
45:55.3
elected Democrats
45:56.1
around the country
45:56.8
who are in panic mode.
45:58.0
That's the headlines
45:58.8
that we've been reading
46:00.0
and I think that's true.
46:05.2
Now, back here at home,
46:06.6
majority of Filipinos
46:07.7
want the Marcos administration
46:09.2
to continue asserting
46:10.4
the country's sovereign rights
46:11.9
in the West Philippine Sea
46:13.6
as the president delivers
46:17.6
with a special report.
46:19.1
Despite the vastness
46:22.2
of the West Philippine Sea,
46:24.0
fishermen in Masinlok, Zambales
46:25.9
suffer from dwindling catch.
46:28.2
This is due to the increasing
46:29.5
number of Chinese vessels
46:32.5
of their traditional
46:39.9
for the Chinese vessels.
46:49.1
with a piece of glass
46:50.1
or a piece of fiberglass.
46:51.5
the boat can be destroyed.
46:52.6
It's just like in the playhood.
46:54.4
Masinlok fisher folk believe
46:56.2
they have lost 70%
46:58.1
of their livelihood
46:59.1
due to Chinese intrusion
47:02.3
in Philippine waters.
47:04.7
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
47:06.9
will provide them
47:07.7
with bigger boats
47:08.7
for them to fish better.
47:11.1
Because we are the first
47:12.6
affected by this,
47:13.7
we really want to fight.
47:16.2
arm our president,
47:17.5
we would really hold arms.
47:19.5
defend our waters
47:21.1
from their Chinese fishermen
47:22.9
and Chinese Coast Guard.
47:24.8
We want to continue
47:25.3
to destroy the corals
47:30.7
in the Bajo de Masinlok.
47:32.4
A Pulse Asia survey
47:33.7
from June 17 to 21
47:35.5
shows 76% of respondents
47:38.4
agreed that the Marcos
47:40.0
administration must continue
47:42.0
asserting the country's rights
47:43.9
in the West Philippine Sea.
47:48.6
by reinforcing alliances
47:50.1
and conducting joint patrols
47:52.5
and military exercises.
47:56.0
support the modernization
47:57.4
of the armed forces
47:58.7
of the Philippines.
47:60.0
40% want to protect
48:01.6
the rights of fishing communities
48:03.2
while another 30%
48:05.2
suggest more military outposts
48:08.1
in the West Philippine Sea.
48:11.7
All seem to be on track
48:13.1
with the government's strategies.
48:16.1
the first trilateral summit
48:17.6
between the Philippines
48:18.6
the U.S. and Japan
48:20.3
was held in Washington, D.C.
48:24.1
The Philippines also signed
48:26.2
the Reciprocal Access Agreement
48:29.1
its third defense cooperation to date
48:31.3
following the Visiting Forces Agreements
48:33.5
with the U.S. and Australia.
48:35.8
Negotiations are also underway
48:37.6
for a VFA with France.
48:41.9
have already resulted
48:43.2
to increasing military exercises.
48:46.4
For the first time,
48:48.6
joined the annual
48:49.3
Balikatan exercises
48:50.6
with the Philippines
48:53.9
a joint naval exercise
48:55.4
between the Philippines,
48:58.9
in the West Philippine Sea
49:01.9
followed by a joint sail
49:03.4
by the Philippines,
49:06.5
two months after.
49:08.3
China has criticized
49:10.5
as block politics,
49:13.2
only drives up tension
49:17.1
in the West Philippines,
49:22.7
in numerous instances,
49:24.9
we will not give up
49:28.1
not even a millimeter,
49:30.7
to any foreign power.
49:38.4
sovereign rights thereon
49:44.2
neither permission
49:51.0
in the West Philippine Sea.
49:56.0
the situation recently,
49:58.4
was the China Coast Guard's
50:03.4
Philippine rotation
50:04.5
and resupply mission
50:05.9
to Ayungin Shoal.
50:07.7
Not only did the CCG
50:10.2
the Philippine vessels,
50:11.6
they also boarded it,
50:13.1
destroyed equipment,
50:14.3
and took the firearms
50:15.3
of the Philippine Navy,
50:16.9
even causing injury
50:18.0
to a crew of the Philippine Navy.
50:20.1
demanded 60 million pesos
50:23.0
but China insisted
50:26.1
into Chinese territory,
50:28.4
a matter already debunked
50:30.1
by the 2016 Arbitral Award,
50:33.3
the Philippine sovereign rights
50:35.1
in its exclusive economic zone,
50:37.6
including Ayungin Shoal.
50:40.0
The Philippines vowed
50:42.5
the BRP Sierra Madre,
50:44.1
which has been serving
50:45.2
as the country's military outpost
50:47.2
in Ayungin Shoal.
50:48.5
There are also proposals
50:49.8
to build civilian structures,
50:52.2
which, if impeded by China,
50:54.5
may lead to yet another
50:56.2
arbitration case.
50:58.3
The Philippines should announce
50:59.5
that it will establish
51:00.5
a lighthouse on Ayungin Shoal
51:03.7
by the Philippine Coast Guard,
51:05.6
can also establish
51:06.4
a substation on Ayungin Shoal.
51:09.5
the UP Marine Science Institute
51:11.8
a marine research center
51:13.6
in Ayungin Shoal.
51:15.1
All these facilities
51:16.1
are civilian in nature,
51:19.0
the Philippines' exclusive right
51:20.8
to establish these facilities
51:22.6
in its exclusive economic zone,
51:25.2
which includes Ayungin Shoal.
51:29.1
the Philippines also made
51:30.4
an official submission
51:31.4
for the country's
51:32.7
extended continental shelf
51:34.4
that extends to a maximum
51:36.4
of 350 nautical miles
51:38.5
from West Palawan,
51:40.1
in accordance with
51:40.9
the United Nations Convention
51:42.3
on the Law of the Sea.
51:44.4
China filed its opposition,
51:46.2
followed by Malaysia,
51:47.3
the United States,
51:47.4
Vietnam is also expected
51:51.5
China's chances are nil
51:53.1
since its coastline
51:54.6
is over 350 nautical miles
51:57.2
from the continental shelf
52:00.9
The Philippines and China
52:02.9
agree to de-escalate tensions
52:04.6
and open a direct line
52:07.4
between the offices
52:08.8
of President Marcos
52:10.0
and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
52:12.5
The Department of Foreign Affairs
52:14.0
have remained steadfast.
52:15.8
The Philippines is open
52:16.9
to dialogue with the United States
52:17.4
and the United States
52:18.2
but will not enter
52:19.9
that undermine its legal rights
52:22.1
just like the so-called
52:23.7
Gentleman's Agreement
52:24.8
between former President
52:26.2
Rodrigo Duterte and China.
52:28.6
I have to repeat that
52:30.0
the Philippines has always
52:31.2
maintained the policy
52:32.4
of addressing any disputes
52:34.5
and managing them
52:37.1
through diplomatic means
52:38.9
and through peaceful means.
52:40.4
And we are still committed to that.
52:41.8
But when we do so,
52:43.6
it is in accordance
52:45.3
with our national interests,
52:46.6
our sovereign rights
52:48.2
and firmly based on the rule
52:50.1
of international law
52:51.2
including maritime law
52:53.0
and more specifically
52:57.3
all over the world
52:58.3
including the European Union
52:59.9
and the Group of Seven
53:01.2
have repeatedly expressed support
53:03.4
for the Philippines' position
53:04.7
in its dispute with China.
53:07.0
For the international community,
53:08.9
the situation in the Indo-Pacific
53:10.9
is everybody's concern
53:12.9
because at the end of the day,
53:14.5
it is not only about
53:16.2
the Philippines' rights
53:17.4
but the primacy of international law
53:20.0
that allows peaceful coexistence
53:26.2
I have sworn to this solemn commitment
53:28.6
from the very first day
53:29.8
that I took office.
53:31.5
I do not intend to yield.
53:33.6
Filipinos do not yield.
53:36.4
Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News.
53:43.2
And that's Head Start today.
53:45.0
I'm Katrina Domingo.
53:46.2
Thank you for watching.
53:47.3
You can play back this episode
53:48.4
on the ANC YouTube channel.
53:50.3
Stay informed and stay with ANC.
54:07.6
Down and it's improving.
